The New Model Army » Military » The New Model Army The New Model Army The "new modelling" of Parliament's army was first proposed by Sir William Waller after his defeat at Cropredy Bridge in June 1644. Parliament's armies were recruited from regional associations but soldiers were often reluctant to campaign away from their local areas, as Waller found to his cost when trying to control his mutinous London regiments. Waller proposed the formation of a national army with no regional affiliations and the idea was taken up by Oliver Cromwell in a speech to the House of Commons in December 1644. The Self-denying Ordinance was hurried through the Commons to sweep away the existing military high command and the New Model Army Ordinance was passed on 17 February 1645. Organisation Parliament's new army was planned to comprise 22,000 men: twelve regiments of foot of 1,200 men each in the proportion two-thirds musketeers, one-third pikemen; eleven regiments of horse of 600 men each, one regiment of 1,000 dragoons (mounted infantrymen) and an artillery train of 50 guns.

The cavalry were mainly veterans drawn from the armies of Manchester, Essex and Waller. The infantry included some veterans, with a majority of pressed men drawn from London, the east, and south-east. In Kent, some of the pressed men mutinied and had to be forcibly restrained. Parliament's intention was to enforce strict discipline in return for regular pay — eight pence per day for the infantry and two shillings per day for the cavalry, who had to supply their own horses and pay for their upkeep. The infantry regiments wore coats of venetian red with facings to identify the individual regiments. They were armed with matchlock muskets and pikes. The cavalry wore "lobster-tail" iron headpieces and chest armour over a thick leather "buff coat". The troopers were armed with a sword and two pistols. Sir Thomas Fairfax was appointed captain-general and commander-in-chief of the army in January 1645, with Philip Skippon as major-general of foot. Oliver Cromwell was officially appointed lieutenant-general of horse (and second-in-command of the army) in June 1645.

Fourth in rank of the general officers was Thomas Hammond, lieutenant-general of ordnance, who commanded the artillery and engineers. Other officers on the general staff were charged with particular departments such as the administration of military justice and the acquisition of supplies and provisions. One of the most important of these was the scoutmaster-general Leonard Watson, who was responsible for reconnaissance and collecting intelligence on enemy movements: the efficiency of the New Model Army's intelligence department was a major factor in its success. First Campaigns At the time of its formation, the New Model was one of several Parliamentarian armies active in England. There was also the Scottish Covenanter army under Lord Leven , the Northern Association army under Major-General Sydenham Poyntz , formed from troops formerly commanded by Lord Ferdinando Fairfax in Yorkshire, and the Western Association army of Wiltshire and the four western counties, commanded by the Presbyterian Edward Massie . Besides these, there were smaller bodies of troops in Wales, the eastern counties and the midlands. Although it was derided by Royalists (and some Parliamentarians) as the "New Noddle", Fairfax quickly moulded the New Model Army into an efficient, disciplined fighting force with an unusually high degree of motivation.

Officers were appointed and promoted on merit rather than on their status in society. Several high-ranking officers of the New Model were from humble origins, for example Colonel Pride had been a brewer, Colonel Hewson a shoemaker. Within months of its formation, the New Model inflicted a decisive defeat on the Royalists at the battle of Naseby in June 1645, and brought the First Civil War to an end the following year. The smaller Parliamentarian armies were either disbanded or absorbed into the New Model and in July 1647, Fairfax was made commander-in-chief of all Parliament's forces in England and Wales. Levellers & Agitators After the ending of the First Civil War, the Presbyterian faction in Parliament misguidedly attempted to disband the New Model Army without first settling arrears of pay, guaranteeing indemnity from prosecution for actions carried out under orders or making any provision for the relief of wounded soldiers, war widows and orphans. This led to the appointment of Agitators amongst the troops to lobby for soldiers' rights and the politicisation of the Army during 1647.

For a brief period, representatives of the common soldiers sat alongside the Grandees of the high command to debate the future constitution of England at the Putney Debates in October and November 1647. ...We were not a mere mercenary army, hired to serve any arbitrary power of a state, but called forth and conjured by the several declarations of Parliament to the defence of our own and the People's just Rights and Liberties.. Battle of Naseby Battle of Naseby Battle of Naseby Battle of Naseby In February 1645, Parliament decided to form a new army of professional soldiers and amalgamated the three armies of William Waller , Earl of Essex and Earl of Manchester . This army of 22,000 men became known as the New Model Army . Its commander-in-chief was General Thomas Fairfax , while Oliver Cromwell was put in charge of its cavalry. Members of the New Model Army received proper military training and by the time they went into battle they were very well-disciplined. In the past, people became officers because they came from powerful and wealthy families. In the New Model Army men were promoted when they showed themselves to be good soldiers.

For the first time it became possible for working-class men to become army officers. Oliver Cromwell thought it was very important that soldiers in the New Model Army believed strongly in what they were fighting for. Where possible he recruited men who, like him, held strong Puritan views and the New Model Army went into battle singing psalms, convinced that God was on their side. The New Model Army took part in its first major battle just outside the village of Naseby in Northamptonshire on 14th June 1645. The battle began when Prince Rupert led a charge against the left wing of the parliamentary cavalry which scattered and Rupert's men then gave chase. While this was going on Oliver Cromwell launched an attack on the left wing of the royalist cavalry. This was also successful and the royalists that survived the initial charge fled from the battlefield. While some of Cromwell's cavalry gave chase, the majority were ordered to attack the now unprotected flanks of the infantry. Charles I was waiting with 1,200 men in reserve. Instead of ordering them forward to help his infantry he decided to retreat. Without support from the cavalry, the royalist infantry realised their task was impossible and surrendered.

By the time Prince Rupert's cavalry returned to the battlefield the fighting had ended. Rupert's cavalry horses were exhausted after their long chase and were not in a fit state to take on Cromwell's cavalry. Prince Rupert had no option but to ride off in search of Charles I . The battle was a disaster for the king. About 1,000 of his men had been killed, while another 4,500 of his most experienced men had been taken prisoner. The Parliamentary forces were also able to capture the Royalist baggage train that contained his complete stock of guns and ammunition. The Battle of Naseby was the turning point in the war. After Naseby, Charles was never able to raise another army strong enough to defeat the parliamentary army in a major battle. Battle of Naseby (1645) | First English Civil War | Wars of Three Kingdoms Wars of Three Kingdoms > First English Civil War BATTLE OF NASEBY (1645) Following the troubled campaigns of the previous year, Parliament's reformed and re-organised New Model Army engaged Royalist forces at the Battle of Naseby.

Significantly outnumbering the opposition, the Parliamentary force annihilated the King's Army ultimately determining the outcome of the first English Civil War. Skip to > Historical Background In June 1645 the English Civil War had been dragging on for three years. Despite the success at Marston Moor, which had seen a combined Parliamentary-Scottish force destroy the Royalist army in Northern England, 1644 had concluded on a low point for Parliament. Defeat at Lostwithiel (August) and strategic failure at the second Battle of Newbury (October) prompted a major Parliamentary re-organisation. In the first instance the failure at Newbury had largely been a result of the effectiveness of the combined forces of the three Parliamentary armies - those of Edward Montagu Earl of Manchester, Robert Devereux Earl of Essex and Sir William Waller - being hampered by the competing interests and political aspirations of the three Generals. In order to remove a number of personalities from the Command, the Self Denying Ordnance (described below) was passed; legislation barring individuals from being a Member of Parliament and holding military rank.

Whilst Members of Parliament for the Commons could resign, no such option existed for members of the House of Lords and thus in one stroke the Parliamentary army would now be commanded by professional soldiers rather than the nobility. A second change was re-organisation of the Army into a single fighting force with defined regimental sizes, a standardised uniform and a fixed musket/pike ratio. This 'New Model Army' was the weapon with which Parliament would fight the 1645 campaign and whilst it was far from achieving all the aspirations of its founders, it was a significant step towards an unified military command. Sir Thomas Fairfax was appointed as the overall Commander-in-Chief with Oliver Cromwell as his Lieutenant-General of Horse (the latter avoiding his own Self Denying Ordnance by a series of temporary commissions) and Phillip Skippon as Major-General of the infantry. The King's Army commenced their Spring campaign on 7 May by marching north from Oxford intent on relieving Chester which had been under siege from a Parliamentary force under Sir William Brereton. Parliament now set their sights on Oxford and ordered Fairfax to besiege the town that acted as the Royal Capital. Fairfax moved his army into place intending to sustain a close siege whilst concurrently training his soldiers.

However, faced with the approach of the significantly larger force, Sir William Brereton lifted his siege of Chester on 25 May and retreated north. The Royalists, rather than turn back to directly engage the Parliamentary Army, opted for a display of military power with the aim of enticing the New Model Army to move away from Oxford. Leicester was chosen as the target. The town, which was held by a Parliamentary garrison, was not particularly significant to the war but was a substantial but relatively easy target. The earthworks dug around the town for the war had pandered to the desires of its wealthy residents and enclosed a large number of properties on the outskirts of the area. Accordingly the earthworks were over 3 miles long and very difficult to defend. The town was stormed on the evening of 30 May 1645 with the 2,000 man garrison being no match for the King's Army of circa-10,000 men. The bait worked; Fairfax applied to the Committee of Both Kingdoms to abandon his siege of Oxford and pursue the King. On 3 June he received permission to do that and marched his New Model Army north.

Prelude Following the victory at Leicester, the Royalists had resolved to march south to relieve Oxford but only once reinforcements were received from Lord Goring in the South West and/or from Wales. But Fairfax was advancing north and the speed of his advance surprised the Royalists; he arrived at Stony Stratford, just 10 miles from the King's position at Daventry, on 11 June. Still awaiting reinforcements, the Royalists attempted a feigned move to the west towards Warwick but by the 14 June it was clear this strategy had failed; Fairfax was upon him with a significantly larger force. Some within the Royal Council, Prince Rupert being key, recommended continued attempts to disengage but he was overruled by the King's reliance on the advice of Lord Digby who held the New Model Army in little regard. Fairfax moved up to Naseby on the morning of 14 June and deployed on a ridge of high ground to the east of the village. The position was strong - a high ridge with boggy ground in between - but too much so as the Royalists would never have attacked.

Fairfax abandoned the position and the two armies, both resolved to fight, moved west in parallel eventually drawing up with the Parliamentary force on a gentle hill directly to the north of Naseby. Numbers Estimates of the size of the Parliamentary forces places it around 13,000 to 15,000 strong. It consisted of a roughly equal split between infantry and cavalry plus a small number of Dragoons (mounted soldiers that dismounted and fought as infantry once in position). The Royalists had a significantly smaller force at between 9-12,000 men strong. On the right flank Prince Rupert had around 2,000 horse whilst on the left - facing Cromwell - Langdale had a similar number to counter Cromwell's force that was almost twice that size. His position was further complicated by the proximity in front of him of a conery; a series of rabbit warrens used as a source of meat. In the centre the infantry was led by Lord Astley. The Battle All units were deployed by 10am standfast Royalist artillery which had failed to keep up with the main body moving along the ridge.

The chronology of how the battle started is unclear - it was either the Royalist infantry who advanced first or Prince Rupert's cavalry charge. For this article the former is assumed but it makes limited difference to the overall action. - Stage 1: Infantry Attack The Royalist infantry attack was initiated by Lord Astley who advanced his force against Skippon's position on the crest of the gently sloping hill. In fact Skippon had wisely kept the bulk of his forces behind the summit as many were new recruits who had not seen an enemy army in full battle formation. As the Royalist infantry advanced he moved them onto the crest and down to engage. Fierce fighting ensued but the Royalists, although outnumbered, outperformed the Parliamentary foot and slowly drove them back. - Stage 2: Prince Rupert's Cavalry Attack The cavalry battle began with Prince Rupert's force on the Royalist right. Okey's force of dragoons had deployed and dismounted behind hedgerows at Sulby Close - a fairly exposed position but one that gave them the ability to launch direct, effective fire against the Royalist force. Rather than pointlessly stand and take fire, Rupert ordered his force to attack and charged the Parliamentary left which was commanded by Ireton.

- Stage 3: Ireton Breaks Rupert's charge broke both lines of Ireton's force which fled back towards Naseby village pursued by the Royalists. However Rupert's charge had been misaligned against the Parliamentary frontline and a portion of Ireton's force was left intact. - Stage 4: Flank Attack Rupert's force had left the field entirely chasing after the bulk of Ireton's cavalry. The portion left intact now found themselves unopposed and charged into the left flank of the Royalist infantry. They were supported by the dragoons under Oakey but their assault was repulsed by the Royalists. Concurrently with this action Langdale, on the Royalist left flank, started moving his own cavalry force forward. His task was complicated by the maze of rabbit warrens in front of his position and his initial movement was at a slow canter at best. - Stage 5: Cromwell Attacks Cromwell, lined up against Langdale on the Parliamentary right, timed his attack perfectly. He had three lines of cavalry significantly outnumbering his Royalist opponents and sparingly used them. Before Langdale's force had re-assembled after traversing the warrens, he sent his first line only against them.

- Stage 6: Langdale Breaks Cromwell's first cavalry attack broke Langdale's force who fled the field. Two lines of Parliamentary horse remained ready for deployment on the right. Concurrently the infantry battle was going well for the Royalists. On their right they had defused the attack by Ireton and Okey whilst continuing to push the frontline of the New Model Army back and it was questionable whether the second line would hold. - Stage 7: Cromwell's Flank Attack With no Royalist cavalry remaining to oppose him, Cromwell now used his unengaged cavalry force to charge the exposed left flank of the Royalist infantry. Now surrounded and outnumbered with fighting on all sides, the Royalist advance faltered and they started to give ground. Units started surrendering or retreating and a rout ensued. - Stage 8: Retreat to Leicester At this time the King considered leading a charge with the remnant of his horse but was dissuaded and, in reality, this probably wouldn't have made a difference given the spare capacity Cromwell had in cavalry to deal with such a threat.

Prince Rupert's own Infantry Regiment fought a gallant but futile rearguard action whilst the King's army retreated towards Leicester but nevertheless thousands of troops were lost and the King's baggage and camp followers were attacked. Rupert and Maurice, after having been repulsed in their attack on the Parliamentary baggage train, returned to the field too late to make a difference and simply joined the general Royalist retreat. Rearguard actions were fought at Moot Hill and Wadborough Hill as the remnant of the army made for Leicester. The King stayed at Ashby de la Zouch Castle that evening and then moved west towards Chester. Aftermath Naseby was a disaster for the Royalist war effort which effectively saw the infantry element of the King's army destroyed. In the immediate aftermath of the battle, Leicester was re-taken by the New Model Army but the impact of the battle was much greater. Whilst there were still small Royalist forces in the field (under Lord Goring and James Graham, Marquis of Montrose - both defeated by September 1645), the strategic initiative was now exclusively controlled by Parliament.

Attacks were now inevitable on the Royalist held ports at Bristol and Chester, both essential if the King was to import a new army from Ireland or the continent. Parliament would move against Chester in Summer 1645 and the King's attempt to stop them, using his surviving cavalry, met with defeat at Rowton Heath (September 1645). Bristol fell in September 1645 and Chester in February 1646 ending any Royalist hope that a Catholic Irish or continental army of sufficient size could be imported to defeat the New Model. The remainder of the war was spent reducing Royalist garrisons (the last to surrender was Harlech Castle in March 1647). Charles himself now sought to defeat his enemies by politics and his surrender to the Scottish forces besieging Newark on 5 May 1646 was the start of two and a half years of political wrangling ending in his execution in January 1649.

Even this failed to end the fighting but, whilst further wars would be fought with the Scottish and principles of the Civil War wouldn't be enshrined in law until the 1689 Glorious Revolution, Naseby ultimately created an environment where the concept of the supremacy of Parliament would develop into a constitutional principle. Self Denying Ordnance Following the Second Battle of Newbury (1644) it became clear that command and control of the Parliamentary armies had become untenable. When the three armies of the Earls of Manchester and Essex plus that of Sir William Waller were merged, the three leaders squabbled and only became partially functional when they formed a ‘council of equals’. Just weeks after the battle the issue came to a head when the Earl of Manchester criticised the conduct of his second-in-command, Oliver Cromwell. There was some justification here as Cromwell had been roundly defeated at Newbury but the motivation for criticism was religious/political; Manchester supported the Presbyterian church whereas Cromwell was an Independent. Cromwell defended himself by proposing the self denying ordnance; a measure whereby everyone should deny private ambitions for the public good. This manifested itself into legislation barring anyone from both military office and Parliament.

This hit the nobility – Manchester and Essex in particular – as there was no mechanism or ability for them to resign from the House of Lords. By contract the MPs of the House of Commons could resign (although Cromwell would by-pass this legislation by a series of temporary commissions). In one stroke the nobility lost control of the army paving the way for professional soldiers such as Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell himself to command the army. Bibliography Adamson, J (2007). The Noble Revolt. Orion, London. Barrett, C.R.B (1896). Battles and Battlefields in England. London. Bennett, M (1990). A Travellers Guide to Battlefields of the English Civil War. Webb and Bower Ltd, Exeter. Beresford, M.W and St Joseph, J.K.S (1979). Medieval England - An Aerial Study. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Burne, A.H (2005). Battlefields of England. Pen and Sword Books Ltd, Barnsley. Cyprien, M and Fairbairn, N (1983).

A Traveller's Guide to the Battlefields of Britain. Evans Brothers Ltd, London. Dodds, G.L (1996). Battles in Britain 1066-1746. Arms & Armour, London. Douglas, D.C, Coward, B and Gaunt, P (ed) (1975). English Historical Documents Vol 5B (1603-1660). Routledge, London. Gardiner, S.R (1889). History of the Great Civil War Vol. II. London. Green, H (1973). Guide to the Battlefields of Britain and Ireland. Constable, London. Guest, K (1996). British battles: the front lines of history in colour. Harper Collins, London. Hunt, T (2003). The English Civil War at First Hand. Orion Books, London. Kinross, J (1979). The Battlefields of Britain. London. Lancaster, J.H.D (2014). Naseby: Battlefield visit notes and observations. CastlesFortsBattles.co.uk.

Ordnance Survey (2015). Daventry. 1:1250. Southampton. Roberts, K (2005). Cromwell's War Machine: The New Model Army 1645-60. Pen and Sword, Barnsley Royle, T (2004). Civil War: The Wars of Three Kingdoms 1638-1660. Abacus, London Smurthwaite, D (1993). The Complete Guide to the Battlefields of Britain. Michael Joseph, London. Woolrych, A (2002). Britain in Revolution. Oxford University Press, Oxford. What's There? The battlefield has remained largely undeveloped since the battle but significant changes - addition of many hedges and trees - will confuse the unsuspecting visitor. Nevertheless the importance of the battle has prompted two monuments plus two separate dedicated ‘viewpoints’ and a number of interpretation panels. Naseby Obelisk. Whilst most visitors find the Cromwell Monument at the site of the substantive battle, many miss the obelisk to the north east of Naseby.

This marks the original location of the Naseby Windmill and is where the New Model Army rendezvoused prior to the battle. View to the north was obscured so the Royalists could not see the Parliamentary army gather. Battlefield viewed from the Cromwell monument. The Royalist army advanced towards camera. In vicinity of Broadmoor Farm. The infantry battle was fought here with the Royalists pushing the Parliamentary foot back towards the crest of the hill. Road. The road running north/south through the battlefield did exist in 1645 but it was not banked by hedges as it is today. This is the same across the whole site (other than the Sulby hedges in the east). Long Hold Spinney. The treeline on the horizon marks the position where Langdale’s Royalist cavalry initially deployed. The trees weren’t there in 1645 and in front of their position was a conery; a man made enclosure for keeping rabbits which presented a significant hurdle through which his cavalry would need to negotiate before they could charge at speed.. Fairfax Viewpoint - Sir Thomas Fairfax couldn’t see over the ridge at the rendezvous at Naseby windmill so rode here and saw Royalist force on horizon.

Prince Rupert Viewpoint - Initially hidden behind the high ground on the horizon, Rupert spotted the New Model Army as they moved onto the ridge. Getting There Battlefield is increasingly recognised as important with good signage to the key locations. Car parking is possible in all locations; a lay-by is positioned near each monument, dedicated car parks at the two viewpoints and Moot Hill. Sulby Hedges is accessed via foot only from Sibbercroft. Cromwell Monument The Naseby Battlefield Project » The Battle The Naseby Battlefield Project Contact Us The Battle of Naseby The Battle of Naseby on 14 June 1645 is the last and most important battle of the First Civil War (1642-45), a decisive victory of the Parliamentarians under Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell over the Royalists under King Charles I and his nephew Prince Rupert of the Rhine. Causes of the Civil War Timeline Charles I’s Personal Rule without Parliament 1630s William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, introduces High Church Anglicanism. Protests by Puritans 1636 Protests against imposition of Ship Money Tax.

Oliver Cromwell elected to Parliament 1637-39 Two Bishops Wars – Charles I defeated by Scottish Presbyterians 1640 Charles I summons Long Parliament (1640-59) 1641 Impeachment of Earl of Strafford. Rebellion in Ireland April 1642 Charles I’s attempt to arrest his 5 leading opponents in Parliament but fails. Charles I leaves London King_Charles_I During the 1620s there are frequent clashes between James I (reigned 1603-25) and his son Charles I (1625-49), and Parliament. Between 1629 and 1640 Charles I, determined to impose his doctrine of the Divine Right of Kings, rules without Parliament. William Laud, his Archbishop of Canterbury, attempts to impose High Church Anglicanism despite the protests of the Puritans. In Scotland, similar protests by the Presbyterians provoke open rebellion and the king is defeated by the Scots in Two Bishops’ Wars in 1637-39.

In 1640 the king recalls Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, from Ireland and summons Parliament. Under the leadership of John Pym, the Parliamentarians immediately attack Strafford, who is impeached for plotting to bring an Irish army over to England. He is tried, found guilty and executed in November 1641. In April 1642, after failing to arrest his five leading opponents in Parliament, the King leaves London (he will only return for his trial in the winter of 1648). He establishes his head-quarters at Oxford, while the Parliamentarians remain in control of London.

The Civil War Battle of Edgehill – a draw 1643 Royalist successes particularly in the south-west Battle of Roundaway Down – Royalist victory First Battle of Newbury – Parliamentarian victory 1643-44 winter Parliament makes an alliance with the Presbyterian Scots 1644 Battles of Cropredy Bridge and Lostwithiel - Royalist Victories Battle of Marston Moor - Parliamentarian victory Second Battle of Newbury – a draw but Royalist army escapes 1644-45 Oliver_Cromwell The first major engagement of the Civil War takes place at Edgehill in October 1642. The battle ends in a draw but the Royalists fail to advance on London. In 1643 the Royalists attempt a three-pronged advance on London from the north, from Wales and the south-west. Despite winning a number of battles and capturing Bristol they fail to make a decisive breakthrough. Following secret negotiations between Parliament and the Scots, a Scottish army invades Northern England in January 1644.

On 2 July, at Battle of Marston Moor outside York Prince Rupert is defeated by combined Anglo-Scottish army – Oliver Cromwell plays a vital role in winning the battle – Royalists lose control of the North of England. During the winter Parliament creates the New Model Army, a body of full-time professional soldiers led by professional officers (MPs and peers were forbidden to serve) with Sir Thomas Fairfax as commander-in-chief.

Streeter Map of Battle of Naseby Streeters Map of The Battle of Naseby The Naseby Campaign, April to June 1645 Timeline Fairfax sets off to relieve siege of Taunton Islip Bridge - Cromwell defeats Earl of Northampton 7 May Charles I leaves Oxford – joins forces with Prince Rupert, Maurice, Langdale & Sir Jacob Astley Goring sent to relieve Taunton Fairfax abandons march on Taunton with majority of New Model Army 22 May Fairfax & Cromwell begin siege of Oxford 29 May Prince Rupert begins siege of Leicester to draw Fairfax away from Oxford 30 May Charles I & Royalist army march towards Market Harborough Fairfax raises siege of Oxford & marches north to join Cromwell, now appointed Lieutenant-General of Horse 13 June Royalist army at Market Harborough Parliamentarian army at GuilsboroughApril Evening of 13 June Parliamentarian patrol led by Ireton clashes with a small detachment of Charles's Life Guard at Naseby – Royalists captured playing quoits in the church. Royalists divided - Prince Rupert and Astley advocate continuing north, but outvoted – decision to turn and fight.

14 June 3 am Parliamentarian army roused & begins to move towards Market Harborough – decision to assemble at Naseby windmill on high ground outside the village. (Obelisk Viewpoint) Royalist army begins to assemble four miles away on a ridge south of East Farndon (Prince Rupert’s Viewpoint) Neither side can see the other. 14 June 8 am Royalists fear their intelligence is wrong and send scoutmaster Francis Ruce to discover whereabouts of the New Model Army – he fails to spot them. Fairfax and Cromwell decide to move from ridge across Mill Hill, to Closter and Sheddon Hills overlooking a flat bottomed valley called Broadmoor. Rupert, decides to look for himself & sees New Model Army moving towards Mill Hill - calls for the king to move Royalist army. Royalists march south before turning west across Moot Hill, east of Sibbertoft (Moot Hill Viewpoint) before turning south again and onto a ridge on the other side of Broadmoor called Dust Hill. Artillery & baggage trains march through the village of Clipston before turning right along the narrow lane towards Sibbertoft.

The two sides form up on the ridges on either side of Broadmoor, flanked by Sulby parish boundary hedge to the west, and scrub, furze and bog of the Clipston parish boundary to the east. Both sides placed their infantry in the centre with the horse on each wing. Right Wing: Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice - 1,700 horse and 200 musketeers Centre: Sir Jacob Astley – 3,500 foot and 800 horse Left Wing: Sir Marmaduke Langdale - 1,700 horse and 200 musketeers Reserve: King Charles I – 1,300 horse and 800 foot The Royal army was drawn up in three lines with musketeers interspersed with the horse on each of the wings. Royalists King Charles I Commanded the Royalist's forces despite his inexperience. His most notable success had been the defeat of the Earl of Essex's army at Lostwithiel in the autumn of 1644. Sir Jacob Astley Commanded the infantry at Naseby.

After the battle he continued to fight on, surrendering the last Royalist field army at Stow-on-the-Wold in 1646. Sir Marmaduke Langdale A Catholic Yorkshireman, he was another outstanding cavalry commander who had fought in all the major engagements in the North of England. Prince Rupert of the Rhine A cavalry commander of flair and courage, who had served in the Thirty Years’ War. Despite initial success, Rupert was defeated at Marston Moor. With his brother Prince Maurice he was regarded as a great but impetuous cavalry commander. New Model Army Commander: General Sir Thomas Fairfax Right Wing: Lt. General Oliver Cromwell – 3,900 cavalry Centre: Major General Phillip Skippon – 6,400 foot and 11 cannon Left Wing: Commissary-General Henry Ireton – 3,300 cavalry Dragoons: - Colonel John Okey - 1,000 The Parliamentarian army was drawn up in two lines with a forlorn hope of 300 musketeers in front and to the left hand side of the infantry. Parliamentarians Sir Thomas Fairfax Fought for the Parliamentarian Northern Army up to Marston Moor.

On the creation of the New Model Army in 1645, Sir Thomas was appointed Captain General. The first major engagement of this highly disciplined force was the Battle of Naseby. Oliver Cromwell A brilliant cavalry commander with the Eastern Association, notably at Marston Moor. Appointed Lieutenant-General in the New Model Army at Fairfax's request, although he should have been debarred as an MP. Commanded the cavalry at Naseby. Henry Ireton Served under Cromwell earlier in the war and was appointed his second in command at Naseby, commanding the left wing. Later married Cromwell’s daughter. Philip Skippon Commanded the London Trained Bands and defied the Royalists at Turnham Green in November 1642. Commanded the infantry at Naseby The Battle Fairfax_Viewpoint Cromwell sends Colonel John Okey and his dragoons to Sulby Hedge to harass the Royalist right flank (see map – Sulby Hedge Viewpoint). Their fire power may have forced Rupert to advance prematurely. Rupert’s horse advance at a slow trot, pausing in the bottom of the valley. Ireton's cavalry advance to meet them.

The two sides meet and three of Ireton's regiments break and are put to flight, with Rupert’s men in pursuit. The Royalist infantry advance across the valley floor and up the slope towards the New Model Army, (see map – Cromwell Monument Viewpoint) standing just beyond the crest of the ridge. The weight of the Royalist assault falls on the left hand regiments of the New Model Army, their line pivots and starts to fall back. Those of Ireton’s horse who have survived Rupert’s charge attack the Royalist flank. Ireton is wounded in the thigh by a pike and in the face by a halberd. For a while, the Royalists seem to be winning, but the Parliamentarian second line fill the gaps and strengthen the weaker regiments. Those that have retreated rally and rejoin the battle. Soon their greater numbers begin to tell and the Royalist infantry begin to fall back. On the eastern flank Sir Marmaduke Langdale's cavalry, hemmed in between the rabbit warren and furze-covered bog to the east and Fairfax’s infantry to the west, charge uphill but do not break Cromwell's men who take heavy casualties but thrust them back.

Having defeated Langdale, the majority of Cromwell’s men turn left to assault the flank of the Royalist infantry. At around the same time, Okey’s dragoons leave the safety of the hedge and hit the Royalists in the opposite flank. The Royalists are now being assaulted on three sides. Soon they began to retreat. Many give up and surrender but Rupert's own infantry regiment, the Bluecoats, stand firm. They are finally defeated by Fairfax and his regimental commander D'Oyley. 1645 AD: Battle of Naseby - More Information | Tudors & Stuarts | The Northamptonshire Timeline 1645AD Battle of Naseby The Battle of Naseby was the key battle of the English Civil War. King Charles I's main army was destroyed by the Parliamentarian New Model Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell. The English Civil War was a conflict between the King and Parliament in the middle of the 17th Century. The two sides argued about many things but money and religion were the most common causes of conflict.

The 'Eleven years Tyranny' (1629 to 1640) was the period when King Charles I, quite literally, locked Parliament out of Westminster and attempted to rule without them. Eventually Charles I had to call Parliament again but tensions continued and in 1642 the inevitable war broke out. There were 3 major battles of the civil war: the first was at Edge Hill, in October 1642; the last was the Battle of Naseby. On 12 June 1645, Charles I's army camped on Borough Hill, near Daventry, on its way to relieve the siege of Oxford. Charles went hunting in the nearby forests. Parliament's New Model Army marching north from Oxford was instructed to engage the King's army. There was a minor skirmish at Daventry, however Charles was waiting for reinforcements and not ready to fight. He retreated towards Market Harborough but stopped near Naseby and turned to fight, resulting in the Battle of Naseby.

Local tradition says Oliver Cromwell spent the night before the battle at Hazelrigg House in Northampton (one of the few houses to survive the Great Fire of 1675 ), though there is no supporting documentary evidence for this claim. The Battle of Naseby took place on 14 June 1645, near Market Harborough. The Royal Army was led by King Charles's nephew, Prince Rupert. The Parliamentary Army won the battle decisively. They also captured the royal commissariat and seized the King's personal papers. When details of his papers were published, they helped win support for the parliamentarians. Visit Naseby battlefield where all the action happened in 1645 For more information visit the Naseby Battlefield Project website See also: Battle of Naseby (1645) - Fast Play Rules for Students Will You Go Upon Your Death?: The Battle of Naseby (1645 AD) Fast Play Rules for Students By Matt Fritz Historical Background: The first English Civil War (1642 - 1645) was a power struggle between King Charles I and his Royalist supporters on the one hand, and Parliament and its supporters on the other.

At the battle of Naseby (1645) the Parliamentarian New Model Army scored a major victory, thanks in large part to the exploits of Oliver Cromwell's cavalry. With his army on the brink of defeat King Charles was prepared to personally lead his reserves into battle. A subordinate asked the King "Will you go upon your death?" The King decided to retreat instead of continue the fight. This defeat effectively ended the hopes of the Royalists. The first English Civil War ended with the Parliamentarians in control of England. Charles became a prisoner, and was executed in 1649. In 1653 Oliver Cromwell took control of the country as Lord Protector. After Cromwell's death in 1658 a new power struggle led to the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II. Although a King was put back on the throne, the monarchy would never be the same. England was on the path to democratic rule. Battle Report: Fairfax and his commanders look at the army of King Charles and realized they had a numerical advantage. They decided to launch an all out attack to overwhelm the enemy. The cavalry rode our on the wings and the infantry trudged forward.

Cromwell and his ironsides slammed into their opponents. After a brief but ferocious battle they routed the enemy and captured Langdale. On the other flank Ireton and Rupert clashed. The dragoons hidden behind the hedge opened fire on Rupert's second line, tipping the balance in favor of the Parliamentarians. King Charles had no choice but to send in his reserves to try and stabilize the situation. In the center the infantry began a slugfest. Casualties mounted rapidly on both sides. The Royalist reserves were not enough to reverse the tide of battle, and the Parliamentarians won a decisive victory. Rules The Miniatures: You can find 1/72 scale plastic figures from this battle from A Call to Arms, and Revell's Thirty Years War sets. Mounted commander were based individually, all figures were mounted two per stand. The cavalry were mounted on a 1.5" square base. Mounted commanders, musketeers, pikemen, and artillery crews were mounted on bases 1.5" wide by .75" deep. Here are some paper soldiers you can print and use. Formations: Cavalry are six bases in a double rank line.

Dragoons fought on foot so they can be represented by five musketeer bases in a double rank line (3 in front, 2 in back). You can put a horse holder figure with the dragoons, but it isn't necessary. Infantry are eight bases in a double rank line. Four pike bases are in the middle, and two musketeer bases are on each end. Royalist Army King Charles I (Overall Commander) Reserve: 2 cavalry units (6 bases each) Left Wing: 3 cavalry units (6 bases each) Center: 5 units Infantry (8 bases each) Right Wing: 5 Cavalry units (6 bases each) New Model Army (Parliamentarian) Sir Thomas Fairfax (Overall Commander) Left Wing: 5 units Cavalry (6 bases each) 2 units Dragoons (5 bases each, behind the hedges) Center: 9 units Infantry (8 bases each) Right Wing: Commander: Oliver Cromwell 6 units Cavalry (6 bases each) The Board: A 7.5 X 5 foot table was used. The only terrain feature that should be modeled is the hedge Deployment: Both sides deploy as indicated in the diagram and order of battle.

All units must start at least 18" from the enemy except the dragoons (see below). Sequence of Play: 5. Charge 6. Melee Movement: All cavalry, dragoons, and commanders move 12". Infantry move 6". Cannons can not move. Units cannot move closer than 1" to the enemy except when charging. Shooting: Cavalry can shoot 3", musketeers and dragoons can shoot 12". Units may only shoot at enemy targets in front of them. If the wish to shoot at a target to the side they are only allowed to fire with two bases. They may not fire to the rear at all. Roll 1D6 per stand and remove one enemy base for each 6 rolled. Pike bases may not fire. If any unit in a formation is in range then all the bases in the formation may fire if they are not pike bases. Cannons have unlimited range and roll 2D6 per cannon, hitting on a 6. Cannons cannot fire between friendly units unless they have at least a 3" gap, they may not fire over units.

Once a unit has fought a round of melee they may not shoot, or be shot at, until the melee is finished (note this means that both sides can shoot at each other during the turn that the units move into contact, but not on subsequent turns if the melee continues past the first round). Cannons: Rules for cannons are include in this scenario, but the cannons didn't have any significant impact on the battle. For this reason they are not included in the order of battle. If you want to include cannons you can give each side 4 of them and deploy them with the infantry in the center. Charge: Units may charge the enemy only if they can reach an enemy unit with their charge move. Cannons may not charge. Infantry can charge 6", cavalry and dragoons can charge 12". Both sides make their charges at the same time. If it matters, the Parliamentarians charge first. When a unit charges it is moved into contact with the enemy unit. Melee: Enemy units that come into contact after a charge are locked in melee. All stands in a formation participate in the melee (unless hit on the flank or rear, see below). Roll 1D6 for each base and commander in the melee.

Both sides should roll at the same time. Musketeers and Dragoons hit on a roll of 6, pikemen hit on a roll of 5 or 6. Cavalry hits on a 4, 5 or 6 on the first round of melee. If the melee continues after the first round then the cavalry hit on a 5 or 6. Commanders involved in a melee always hit on a roll of 4, 5, or 6. Cannons do not fight in melee. If they are contacted by a charge they are eliminated without a fight. If both sides still have bases remaining they remain locked in melee and cannot move or shoot. The survivors will fight again in the next melee phase. If a unit is fighting a melee with more than one enemy unit each base still only gets to roll once, they don't get to roll to hit each enemy unit. The commander can choose to divide his hits against the enemy units in any way he chooses. Flank and Rear Attacks: If a unit is charged on its flank or rear it's ability to fight back is limited on the first turn of melee. A unit charged on the flank can fight back with only two bases.

A unit charged in the rear can not fight back at all. On the following turns the unit can change facing and fight with all its surviving bases. Removing Casualties: When a unit is reduced to a single base this last base is automatically removed. When an infantry unit takes hits the bases removed should be split evenly between pikemen and musketeers. Commanders: Commanders are represented by single cavalry figures on white horses. They may join a unit during movement or charges to help them in melee. A unit with a commander attached rolls an extra die in melee and the commander hits on a 4, 5, or 6. Commanders participating in a melee can become casualties. Roll 1D6 after the melee rolls, he is a casualty on a roll of 6. This is the only way that a commander can be eliminated, they may not be shot or attacked in melee if they are not with a regular unit. Dragoons Behind the Hedge: The Parliamentarians deployed some dragoons behind the hedge which was on Prince Rupert's right flank. The hedge is an impediment to movement. Units may move and shoot through the hedge, but they cannot charge through it.

The dragoons can be considered to be concealed and left off the table until they shoot or move, and reveal their presence. Resources: This scenario was developed with several useful suggestions from Reverend Aelred Glidden.

A search of the Internet, library, and Magweb, turned up some useful resources for wargaming the English Civil War Marston Moor 1644, Osprey Campaign book by John Tincey The English Civil War, Osprey Men-At-Arms book by Peter Young and Michael Roffe "Fear God and Honour the King" rules for the English Civil War by Aelred Glidden "English Civil War for Dummies" simple rules by Aelred Glidden "Ironsides," rules for the English Civil War by Howard Whitehouse, MWAN #93 "Solo English Civil War Rules" by Chris Grice, Lone Warrior #126 "Jumbo Battle of Naseby OOB", ECW Times #54 "The Battle of Naseby: 1645" by Mark Turnbull, King or Parliament #3 Thomas Fairfax Thomas Fairfax ▼ Primary Sources ▼ Thomas Fairfax Thomas Fairfax, the son of Ferdinando Fairfax , was born in Denton, Yorkshire, in 1612. A soldier, he served under Baron Vere in the Netherlands. Fairfax was knighted by Charles I in 1641.

However, when the Civil War broke out in 1642 he took the side of Parliament and played an important in the defeat of Royalist forces at Marston Moor in 1644. In February 1645, Parliament decided to form a new army of professional soldiers. This army of 22,000 men became known as the New Model Army . Its commander-in-chief was General Fairfax, while Oliver Cromwell was put in charge of its cavalry. Members of the New Model Army received proper military training and by the time they went into battle they were very well-disciplined. In the past, people became officers because they came from powerful and wealthy families. In the New Model Army men were promoted when they showed themselves to be good soldiers. For the first time it became possible for working-class men to become army officers. The New Model Army took part in its first major battle just outside the village of Naseby in Northamptonshire on 14 June 1645. The battle began when Prince Rupert led a charge against the left wing of the parliamentary cavalry which scattered and Rupert's men then gave chase.

While this was going on Oliver Cromwell launched an attack on the left wing of the royalist cavalry. This was also successful and the royalists that survived the initial charge fled from the battlefield. While some of Cromwell's cavalry gave chase, the majority were ordered to attack the now unprotected flanks of the infantry. Charles I was waiting with 1,200 men in reserve. Instead of ordering them forward to help his infantry he decided to retreat. Without support from the cavalry, the royalist infantry realised their task was impossible and surrendered. By the time Prince Rupert's cavalry returned to the battlefield the fighting had ended. Rupert's cavalry horses were exhausted after their long chase and were not in a fit state to take on Cromwell's cavalry. Rupert had no option but to ride off in search of Charles I . The battle was a disaster for the king. About 1,000 of his men had been killed, while another 4,500 of his most experienced men had been taken prisoner. The Parliamentary forces were also able to capture Charles' baggage train that contained his complete stock of guns and ammunition. Fairfax was politically a conservative was opposed to the trial of Charles I in 1648.

However, he willingly suppressed the Levellers in the army. Fairfax was elected to the House of Commons (1654-1658) but did not attend proceedings. Fairfax supported the recall of the monarchy in 1660 but played no role in politics during the reign of Charles II . Thomas Fairfax died in 1671.

Question: Which General and Commander-in Chief led the New Model Army at the Battle of Naseby in 1645?
Answer: THOMAS FAIRFAX